encomium

American  

[en-koh-mee-uhm] / ɛnˈkoʊ mi əm /

noun

plural

encomiums, encomia

1. a formal expression of high praise; eulogy.

   An encomium by the president greeted the returning hero.

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encomium British  

/ ɛnˈkəʊmɪəm /

noun

1. a formal expression of praise; eulogy; panegyric

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Etymology

Origin of encomium

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin, from Greek enkṓmion, equivalent to en- en- ² + kôm(os) “a revel” + -ion noun suffix

Example Sentences

As the priest assured their families that the quartet's loss was not in vain, the choir chanted the encomium "Memory Eternal" in Ukrainian.

From Reuters • Mar. 15, 2022

I’m as guilty as anyone of having blithely used that exaggerated encomium in composing year-end lists in the past.

From Washington Post • Dec. 6, 2021

A name, a couple of dates, a snatch of prayer, a brief encomium.

From New York Times • Mar. 17, 2021

Granted, those who claim the authority to instruct the rest of us on what deserves that encomium missed its true significance.

From Salon • Feb. 29, 2020

"And very plain," put in a third, taking up the encomium like a part in a fugue, "as plain as the grass on the hills!"

From In Mr. Knox's Country by Ross, Martin